CANDON CITY — For Brooke Van Sickle, this All-Star Weekend is a homecoming like no other rather than just a showcase of the PVL and Spikers Turf's superstars.
READ: Spikers Turf standouts eager to shine as bright as PVL All-Stars
The three-time MVP is back in Ilocos Sur, a place she has only visited once as a pro, making this return feel all the more meaningful.
Roughly 45 minutes away from her family’s home in San Emilio, the Fil-Hawaiian winger is taking in every moment.
“It’s really good to be out of the city. I’m not really a city girl. I’m more like a province, nature girl,” she said.
“It’s just great to be able to see my family again. They’re going to come to the game tomorrow. I’m really excited to get to some spend time with them and just to get to know Candon a little bit more."
Homecourt advantage
And this time, the experience goes beyond the court.

From tree-planting to meet-and-greets and school visits, Van Sickle is embracing a deeper connection to her roots and relearning what home is all about.
“Obviously, coming to events like this is very helpful in my personal growth and everything. It’s eye-opening for me. Anywhere I go to is always a wonderful experience, and I’m really grateful to be here,” she said.
“I’m finally coming to a place where I’m like, this is home for me. I get it, like I’m from Hawaii and everything, but I see this as home. Vacation for me now is going to Hawaii, so like, it’s really great to be here and I’m loving life.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.